PRESS RELEASE
CrossCity Motorway welcomes start of works
(January 28, 2003 - Hong Kong) The CrossCity Motorway today welcomed the start of works on the transport infrastructure project that will provide far-reaching benefits for the people of Sydney.
When completed, the Cross City Tunnel will revolutionise travel patterns across Sydney, taking a large number of vehicles per day off the city's streets and freeing up the city for pedestrians and public transport.
CrossCity Motorway represents a fresh approach to delivering transport infrastructure in Sydney, calling upon demonstrated engineering innovation, world-wide experience and financial strength.
The CrossCity Motorway is made up of Cheung Kong Infrastructure Holdings Ltd (CKI) (50%), DB Capital Partners (30%) and Bilfinger Berger BOT GmbH (20%), the investment company of Bilfinger Berger AG.
The massive design and construction task for the 2.2 km tunnels is being undertaken by Baulderstone Hornibrook, builders of Sydney landmarks including the Opera House, the Anzac Bridge and the M5 East, supported by Bilfinger Berger AG.
When completed, the Cross City Tunnel will be Sydney's first fully electronic motorway - using E Tags and electronic transponders and eliminating the need to stop at any toll booths.
CKI Deputy Managing Director, Mr Eric Kwan, said CKI was very pleased to have the opportunity to be a major investor and to contribute their extensive infrastructure experiences to this important project.
"CKI will draw from our experience in the operation of the Eastern Harbour Crossing in Hong Kong as well as the operation of about 500km toll roads and bridges in Mainland China for this important element of the New South Wales road system," Mr Kwan said.
Baulderstone Hornibrook Chief Executive Mr Liam Forde said construction of the Cross City Tunnel presented unique engineering and social challenges.
"Baulderstone Hornibrook will be responsible for design and construction of the project as well as the ongoing operation and maintenance of the completed tunnel. We are committed to working closely with local communities and other stakeholders during the construction phase and look forward to long term relationships with them as we operate this important community facility," Mr Forde said.
Mr Forde said Baulderstone Hornibrook's parent group, Bilfinger Berger, is a world-leader in tunneling technologies, having constructed over 200 tunnels around the world.
Deutsche Bank Australia CEO Mr Chum Darvall said the Cross City Tunnel was an infrastructure project which DB Capital Partners had identified for the long term benefit of superannuants.
"The team we have assembled has the depth and world wide experience in financing and equity management of major transport infrastructure to deliver a superior product," Mr Darvall said.
Mr Peter Sansom, Chief Executive Officer of CrossCity Motorway, said the benefits of the new project should not be underestimated.
"The Cross City Tunnel will offer significantly reduced travel times and provide a key link for Sydney's transport system," Mr Sansom said.
"It will make the city a more pleasant place for pedestrians, motorists and business people and will also improve environmental quality and conditions within the city," he said.
Mr Sansom said the Cross City Tunnel team was committed to working closely with local communities and motorists during the construction period.
"The overall implementation of this project has been designed to minimize local impacts, and we will be working very closely with community groups to keep them fully informed," he said.
End
CrossCity Motorway draws together the strengths of five acknowledged leaders in their respective fields:
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